Taking the train from Lhasa to Shigatse is a popular choice for many travelers visiting Tibet. This railway stretches along the Yarlung Zangbo River, passing through canyons and grasslands, with stunning scenery outside the train windows. We have compiled this detailed “Lhasa to Shigatse Train Guide” to clarify the most important information you need: how to buy tickets, departure times, fares, how to enter and exit stations, on-board facilities, and unmissable scenery along the way. Whether you are visiting Tibet for the first time or have been here several times, taking the train to Shigatse is a convenient and scenic option. After reading this guide, you can easily plan this train journey and smoothly start your trip to Shigatse.
Why Choose the Train from Lhasa to Shigatse?
Besides the train, you can also choose a chartered car or long-distance bus from Lhasa to Shigatse. However, the train has several obvious advantages. First, it is cost-effective. The train ticket price is fixed: around CNY 40 for a second-class seat and over CNY 60 for a first-class seat, which is much cheaper than chartered cars, especially suitable for solo travelers or small groups of two or three friends. Second, the scenery is magnificent. The train is like a moving observation deck, traveling along the Yarlung Zangbo River all the way, allowing you to see rivers, snow-capped mountains, pastures, and villages—scenery that is well worth seeing in itself. Third, it is comfortable and convenient. The train seats are spacious, allowing you to walk around; the restrooms are clean, and the carriages are equipped with oxygen supply, making altitude sickness less likely. Overall, taking the train is affordable, effortless, and scenic, making it the first choice for most people.
Lhasa Railway Station
How to Buy Lhasa to Shigatse Train Tickets?
How many trains are there per day? How long does the journey take?
Currently, there are several trains from Lhasa to Shigatse every day, mainly Z-series non-stop trains. The whole journey is about 250 kilometers. Due to the single-track railway and canyon sections, the train does not travel very fast, usually taking 2.5 to 3 hours. The earliest train usually departs at around 8 AM, with one or two trains at noon and sometimes trains in the afternoon. The specific schedule may change, so it is best to check the latest timetable before departure.
How much is the train ticket?
The fare is very affordable and remains unchanged all year round. Second-class seat: CNY 40; first-class seat: around CNY 65. This price is the same whether it is the tourist season or not and will not increase. You can choose your seat according to your budget when buying tickets—first-class seats are more spacious.
Where to buy tickets? How to ensure you get a ticket?
The best way is to buy tickets through the official China Railway 12306 website or its mobile app, which is the most formal channel. If you are not familiar with using 12306, you can also buy tickets at train ticket agencies in downtown Lhasa or ask a travel agency to purchase them on your behalf (a small service fee may apply for agency purchases).
What to note when buying tickets? Although there are many trains, tickets can be a bit tight during the tourist season (May to October) and holidays. It is recommended to buy tickets 3 days to 1 week in advance. On 12306, tickets usually go on sale 15 days in advance, so buying them exactly when sales open will increase your chances of getting a ticket. If the train you want is sold out, check other departure times—morning trains are usually the most popular.
Guide to Entering and Exiting Lhasa Railway Station and Shigatse Railway Station
How to board the train at Lhasa Railway Station?
Lhasa Railway Station is not in the city center but in Duilong Deqing District. It takes about 20 minutes by taxi from the Potala Palace. Be sure to arrive at the railway station at least 1 hour in advance, as you need to go through security checks, ID and ticket verification, which may involve queuing. The station is large but has clear signs—just follow them to find the ticket check-in gate. There are small shops in the waiting hall selling water and snacks, as well as restrooms and hot water facilities, which are fully equipped.
How to get to downtown Shigatse from Shigatse Railway Station?
Shigatse Railway Station is about 5 kilometers from downtown, which is not far. After getting off the train and exiting the station, there are taxis and public buses in the square in front of the station. Taking a taxi to Tashilhunpo Monastery or near the old town costs about CNY 15 to 25 on the meter. If your hotel offers a pick-up service, contacting them in advance will be more convenient.
Shigatse Station Train
On-Board Facilities and Scenic Spots Along the Way
What is the environment like in the carriage?
The train carriages are new and clean. The seats are wider than economy class seats on planes, so you won’t feel cramped. The windows are large, providing a good view for sightseeing. The entire train is equipped with diffused oxygen supply, so the oxygen level in the carriages is sufficient, making headaches and shortness of breath less likely. There are water heaters and restrooms at both ends of each carriage—the restrooms are squat toilets and relatively clean. Flight attendants patrol the carriages regularly, so you can ask them if you have any questions.
What scenery should not be missed along the way?
About half an hour after the train departs, it will enter the Yarlung Zangbo River Canyon section, which lasts for a long time. You can see the river sometimes calm and sometimes turbulent, with steep mountains on both sides—very spectacular. About 1 hour after departure, keep an eye on the right side of the train; if you’re lucky, you can catch a glimpse of Yamdrok Lake (Yamdrok Tso), with its blue waters shimmering in the distance. In addition, the train passes through several Tibetan villages and pastures along the way, where you can see flocks of yaks and sheep, as well as Tibetan-style houses, allowing you to experience the local lifestyle.
How to Arrange Your Trip After Arriving in Shigatse? Transportation and Itinerary Suggestions
Shigatse is Tibet’s second-largest city and the center of Western Tibet, most famous for Tashilhunpo Monastery.
How to get around downtown Shigatse?
Tashilhunpo Monastery is located in downtown Shigatse, less than 20 minutes by taxi from the railway station. Shigatse’s old town is also not big—you can get around on foot or by rickshaw. If you want to visit farther attractions like Sakya Monastery or Gyantse Fortress, you will need to take a chartered car or a regular bus from the bus station. Chartering a car costs about several hundred RMB per day, which can be shared with other travelers.
Will you go to Mount Everest after Shigatse?
Shigatse is a transfer station for Everest Base Camp. If you plan to continue to Mount Everest, you need to apply for a border permit here and then depart by off-road vehicle. Usually, an additional 3 to 4 days are needed for the Mount Everest trip. If you are short on time, you can take a late train back to Lhasa from Shigatse and make a day trip, but this will only allow you to briefly visit Tashilhunpo Monastery and will be quite rushed.
Frequently Asked Questions and Notes about Lhasa to Shigatse Train
Q: Will I experience altitude sickness on the train?
Due to the oxygen supply in the carriages, most people will not have issues. However, it is recommended not to overeat or drink alcohol before boarding, and drink plenty of warm water during the journey. You can bring some chocolate or candy to eat when you feel tired.
Q: Are there food options on the train?
There is no free meal service on the train, but there are trolleys selling drinks, instant noodles, and biscuits. It is recommended to bring your favorite snacks and a bottle of water. Bringing a thermos to fill with hot water will be very comfortable.
Q: Where to store luggage?
There are dedicated areas for large suitcases at both ends of each carriage, and the luggage racks above the seats can hold backpacks and small luggage items.
Q: Is this railway safe?
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is very safe, with many trains operating every day. The railway is protected along the route, so there is no need to worry.
Tips for a Smoother Journey
Although taking the train is simple, preparing in advance will make the trip smoother. In addition to buying tickets in advance as per the guide, you can store your large luggage at your hotel in Lhasa and travel light. Check the weather forecast for Shigatse before departure and bring appropriate clothing. If you are unsure about the subsequent itinerary (such as visiting Mount Everest or chartering a car), you can consult a reliable travel agency like China Dragon Travel. They can help arrange train tickets and subsequent trips, saving you a lot of trouble.
Prepare Well and Let the Train Be Your Scenic Route
Taking the train between Lhasa and Shigatse is both a practical transfer and a memorable scenic experience. Confirm your ticket and ID in advance, allow time to acclimatize, and prepare basic supplies for the journey. For travelers who prefer to avoid logistics, China Dragon Travel can assist with train ticket booking, station transfers, and onward travel arrangements so you can focus on enjoying the remarkable landscapes along the route.
